Woodsmen stun Vikings

Spotswood's Joshua Drage marks. (Joe Mastroianni). 283078_05

Tara Murray

Spotswood’s purple patch of form has seen it claim second scalp in three rounds in the Western Region Football League division 1.

After knocking off Caroline Springs and then just falling short against Point Cook, the Woodsmen have shown they aren’t a team to take lightly.

On Saturday, the Woodsmen got another test facing last year’s premiers, Altona.

After an up and down first half, the Woodsmen took the lead in the third quarter with five goals to none.

The Woodsmen showed some composure in the final quarter to run away with a 14.5 (89)-6.10 (46) win.

Woodsmen coach Tom German said they were starting to see some reward for effort.

“It was good, we had a past players day at the club and we were able to put on a show for them,” he said.

“We’ve had good last five games. We lost by three points last week, but we are showing some good form after a pretty slow start.”

German said after being hit by injuries early the group had started to find their groove. He said while the experienced guys continued to perform, it was the next group that were stepping up.

“The young guys are really playing their role in the game plan and structure,” he said.

“Yesterday [Saturday] it was those guys stopping up to play their role. It has been the difference.”

German said the result and the manner that it happened had shown the improvement in the group the last couple of weeks.

He said it was a positive that the group could continue to build on.

“Against Caroline Springs we let them back in and let go of a lead,” he said. “This time we extended the lead against one of the benchmarks, they were the benchmark last year.”

Brandon Walshe kicked four goals for the Woodsmen.

German said the two Walshe boys and David Iaccarino had strong games but was quick to point out the performances of the young guys.

“Chris Seymour played his best game for the season,” he said. “Lachlan Heriot is 17 and kicked three goals and Jack Irvine had a good game.

“It was a good spread across the board.”

The Woodsmen remain in fifth spot, equal on points with fourth placed Caroline Springs.

The tests don’t come any bigger for the Woodsmen, they face ladder leaders Werribee Districts in their next match.

They have a bye this weekend due to the King’s Birthday weekend first.

“They have been the benchmark this year,” German said.

“They got us in round one. We’ll be looking to bring the same brand as we have the last few weeks and hopefully it will be a good contest.”

Yarraville Seddon Eagles had a bye on the weekend with their round eight match against Point Cook to be played this Saturday.

Werribee Districts and Caroline Springs were the other winners on Saturday.